Rensselaer County Agricultural Society Fairgrounds

The Rensselaer County Agricultural Society was founded in 1819 and began having fairs from its very beginning in 1819. However, for reasons as yet to be ascertained, in later years it only began regularly calling its fairs “annual” starting in 1842 and calculating the number of fairs from that date. (Schaghticoke Town Historian Christina Kelly’s theory that the society must have failed and a new one later formed seems a reasonable explanation.) The numbering of the fairs of this and a later Rensselaer County agricultural society would only become more complicated over the decades.

In 1860, the society changed its name to the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Manufacturers Society. Another name change, to the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society came later, sometime between 1873 and 1882 during which time the organization had some difficulties which may have contributed to the 1882 fair being identified only as the “second annual” one.

The above older of the two Rensselaer County agricultural organizations had most of its earliest fairs in Batestown (formerly the southern part of the Town of Lansingburgh) and in the southernmost part of Village of Lansingburgh. In 1859 it was held at the site of the Greenbush Cantonment in East Greenbush; from 1898 to 1907 the fair was held at West Sand Lake. From 1908 to 1918 it was held at Rensselaer Park in the (former) village of Lansingburgh, by that time annexed by the City of Troy. Grounds were built in Schaghticoke in 1921 due to the Rensselaer Park land having been sold to develop for housing and the West Sand Lake site, disused for over a decade, also no longer being suitable.

A second organization, the Southern Rensselaer County Agricultural Society or Rensselaer County Agricultural and Liberal Arts Society began holding annual public fairs in 1893, though for reasons seemingly related to the problems with the older organization and the disruption to its fair caused by the Civil War, the group behind the Nassau Fair appears to have begun claiming, very early, to have had annual fairs since 1863:

The Fair at Nassau.

The thirty-first annual fair of the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society will be held at Nassau Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week.Troy Daily Times. September 16, 1896: 4 col 5.

For decades the two organizations both continued to have their own fairs. Fairs in Nassau ceased in 1944, the land being sold for housing development in 1945 (as with the sale of Rensselaer Park in 1919). The two organizations essentially merged in 1945, though both names and charters continued to be referenced:

The Schaghticoke Fair of the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society will be from September 1 to 4, with night shows while it lasts. The Nassau Fair of the Agricultural and Liberal Arts Society of Rensselaer County will be from August 29 to September 1.
“Fair Dates Are Announced By Commissioner; Schaghticoke, Nassau and Cambridge Among Large Number Listed.” Troy Times. May 15, 1930: 11 cols 1-2.

Schaghticoke Fair To Celebrate Its 25th Anniversary
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To Open Labor Day, September 2; Recently Merged With The Nassau Fair

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The Silver anniversary of the Schaghticoke Fair, which this year takes little [sic – title?] to being Rensselaer County’s only fair, will be observed in the course of the four day program which opens Labor Day and concludes Thursday, September 5.
This year, Schaghticoke Fair and the now defunct Nassau Fair will operate jointly under a plan which will continue the history of the Nassau Fair. The merger was completed early this year and makes possible a complete program in all respects.Washington County Post [Cambridge, NY]. August 1, 1946: 1 col 2.

The Schaghticoke Fair is operated under two charters, the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society and the Agricultural and Liberal Arts Society, the latter being the charter of the former Nassau Fair.
“State Lists Dates For Fairs In Area.” Times Record. April 7, 1964: 23 col 5.

The combined Agricultural and Liberal Arts Society of Rensselaer County and the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society Fair will run through Tuesday, Sept. 4.
Bukowiecki, Helen. “Schaghticoke Fair Crews Busy For Thursday Opening.” Times Record. August 25, 1973: 7 cols 1-8.

Passed April 7, 1819.
I. BE it enacted by the People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That the sum of ten thousand dollars per year, for the term of two years from and after the passing of this act, shall be and hereby is appropriated for the promotion of agriculture, and family domestic manufactures, within this state; that the sum shall be distributed among the several counties of this tate in the manner following, to wit: […] to the county of Rensselaer, three hundred and fifty dollars […]Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Forty-Second, Forty-Third and Forty-Fourth Sessions of the Legislature, from January 1819 to April 1821. Vol. 5. Albany, NY: William Gould & Co., 1821. 125-127.

Rensselaer Agricultural Society.

At a meeting of a number of respectable Freemen of the county of Rensselaer, convened at the court-house in the city of Troy, in pursuance of a public notice, on Thursday the 3d day of June, 1819, for the purpose of organizing an Agricultural Society for the said county, GEORGE TIBBITS, Esq. was chosen chairman, and HARMAN KNICKERBACKER, Esq. Secretary. […]
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the several papers of this county.
GEORGE TIBBITS, Chairman.
HARMAN KNICKERBACKER, Secretary.Lansingburgh Gazette. June 8, 1819: 3 col 2.

Rensselaer County Fair and Cattle-Show,
Held in Lansingburgh on the 17th and 13th insts.
—Report of the General Viewing Committee.

[…]Resolved, That the next annual Fair be held in the village of Lansingburgh. Adjourned.
Lansingburgh Gazette. October 29, 1822: 3 cols 1-2.

Anderson’s “Landmarks of Rensselaer County implies that the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society continued on until today, with changes in the location of the fairgrounds over the years. The Schaghticoke Fair implies the same thing. But I think the first try at the society failed, as there is a full report in the Troy newspapers on the founding of the organization again in 1834. This would suggest it had failed and was being restarted. The organizational meeting was held at the Mansion House in Troy on January 14, 1834. The Committee to draft a constitution included four men from Schaghticoke: Bethel Mather, Abraham Knickerbocker, Nicholas M. Masters, and John I. Viele. Smith Germond of Speigletown, was involved as well. Edmund Genet was the first President, but he died that year, and when the group met again that fall, Bethel Mather was elected President. I find it interesting first,that primarily the same Schaghticoke people stayed involved, and second, that one of their number became the President.
Kelly, Christina. “Farming In Schaghticoke: 1700-1850.” History of the Town of Schaghticoke. July 29, 2016. https://schaghticokehistory.wordpress.com/2016/07/29/farming-in-schaghticoke-1700-1850/

1836 – Batestown is annexed by the City of Troy

RENSSELAER COUNTY FAIR.

In placing before our readers the following order of arrangement for the FAIR of the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society, at Lansingburgh, on the 4th and 5th of October, and the accompanying communication from the Executive Committee, we deem it scarcely necessary to say anything in addition to what we have already said, in commendation of this praiseworthy entreprise. We are happy to know that a noble spirit has lately arisen among our agricultural population, and we cannot doubt that it will be evinced in the most emphatic manner, by the turn out and exhibition at the Fair. Let every farmer who has articles worth exhibiting,—and few have not—bring them on promptly, and compete for the premiums and honors. Honors won in such an effort are of the highest and most creditable description. Let none deem them beneath their regard, nor above their reach.Troy Daily Budget. September 26, 1842: 2 col 3

Address Delivered at the First Annual Fair of the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society, At Lansingburgh, Oct. 5, 1842, by William P. Van Rensselaer, Member of the Society. Troy [NY]: Press of the Troy Daily Whig, 200 River St. 1843. [Title page cropped and edited from scan by Google Books.]

The following beautiful Ode to be sung at the Rensselaer County Agricultural Fair, has been kindly furnished by Mrs. Sigourney, a Poetess whose writings are well known, and always well received by the American people.
HARVEST HOME.

ODE FOR THE RENSSELAER CO., AGRICULTURAL FAIR.
—
The Farmer at his harvest home!
When garden, field and tree,
Conspire with flowing wealth to fill
His barn and granary,—

While his young, healthful children sport
Amid the new-mown hay,—
Or proudly aid with vig’rous arm
His toll as best they may.

Perchance, the hoary grandsire’s eye
The glowing scene surveys,
And breathing blessings on his race
He guides their heartfelt praise.

The Harvest Giver is their friend,
The Maker of the soil,
And Earth, kind Mother, yields her fruits,
To cheer their patient toil.

The Farmer at his harvest home!
A patriot true is he,—
So let the land he loves rejoice
In his festivity.Daily Troy Budget. September 16, 1843

FAIRS.—[…] The Rensselaer County Agricultural Society will hold its next annual Fair at Troy the 2d and 3d days of October, 1844.Lansingburgh Democrat. July 31, 1844: 2 col 1.

Ode for the Rensselaer County Agricultural Fair, 1846.
BY JOHN PIERPONT.Music Composed by John C. Andrews.

Not sword or sceptre, crown or throne,
Or sacred oil, or any thing
By armies done, by heralds shown,
Can make man “every inch a king.”
You’d find the real sovereign now,
As in old Rome, behind a plough.

The plough, the yoke, the whip lithe,
Much fork and harrow, rake and spade,
The sickle and the ringing scythe,—
Of these his “coat of arms” is made.
Then let our youthful “sovereign” take,
And wield, but never be a rake.

Not they are queens, in these our days,
Who, on a sofa, lounge or loll,
By bishops puffed, and pinched by stays,
As fair, as useful as a doll:—
They who increase their husband’s means,
Earning or saving, now are queens.

Let the young belle, then, who to please,
And catch a “sovereign” hath a wish,
Produce, next year, her noble cheese,
Her “butter in a lordly dish;”*
And make her needle pierce the beaux,
Through her trim dress, and faultless hose.

Or, let her to their gaze, unroll
A picture, by her needle drawn—
Forms grouping, features full of foul—
Or vine leaves laid on snowy lawn,
And, at their feet, she soon shall see
The flower of youthful royalty.

Toil is the price, untiring toil,
Of all that’s truly great on earth:
‘Tis nobler to subdue the soil,
Than boast of ancestry or birth;
And toil alone it is, that brings
True glory round the thrones of kings.
* “He asked water, and she gave him milk: she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.” Judges v. 25

—Hymn for the Rensselaer County Agricultural Fair, 1846.
BY JOHN PIERPONT.Music Adapted by J. C. Andrews.

Giver of the light and shower,
Painter of the eastern bow,
Who art now, with fruit and flower,
Gracing our autumnal show;—

From our green, or furrowed fields,
That were softened by the rain,
Lo! we bring what either yields,
Fragrant hay, and golden grain.

Fruits, that, on our orchard trees’
Bending limbs, have swelling hung,
By the sunshine and the breeze
Tinged and ripened as they swung,—

Mellow clusters from the vine,
Plums of purple and of gold,
With our oxen and our kine,
And the fallings from our fold;—

These, with grateful hearts, we bring
From the garden and the stall,
As our yearly offering,
To the God, who giveth all.

Father, as thy bounteous hand
Hangs us gifts on vine and tree,
Pours them from the teeming land,
Draws them from the lake and sea;

Makes the light, the cloud, the air,
Every hour, some blessing bring,
Let those gifts, at this our fair,
In our stead, thy praises sing.Northern Budget. September 30, 1846: 2 col 4.

To the amount of $1500 in Cash, besides Silver Plate, Medals, Diplomas, Books, &c., are offered upon Farms, Winter Crops, Garden Vegetables, Butter and Cheese, Fruits, Flowers, Bees and Hives, Farm Stock of all kinds, Farm Implements, Household Products, Domestic Manufactures of Cotton, Woolen and mixed fabrics, Embroidery on silk, Cloth and canvass, Worsted raised and chair werk, Ladies’ Needlework of all kinds, shell work, all descriptions of Mechanics’ Work, embracing 29 classes, new inventions and works of Art, and the fine Arts.

Rensselaer County Cattle Show and Fair.—The eighth annual Fair of the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society, commenced yesterday in the city of Troy, and will be continued to-day and to-morrow. […]Daily Albany Argus. September 26, 1849: 2

The next Fair will be held at Greenbush. That the officers of the Society will “continue their efforts” to make it successful, is certain. The grounds are large and convenient, and the arrangements for the accommodation of stock, are all that exhibitors can desire.
“Rensselaer County Agricultural Society.” Troy Weekly Times. July 9, 1859: 2 col 5.

☞ AGRICULTURAL FAIR AT GREENBUSH.—The Rensselaer County Agricultural Society hold their next Annual Fair at Greenbush, occupying four days. The place, the “Barrack Farm,” is well chosen, and is accessible to our citizens who are inclined to attend and to compete for the prizes.Troy Daily Whig. September 1, 1859: 3 col 4.

THE COMING INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.
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How the Grounds Look, and what is to be Done.

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[…]
The grounds of the Society are most eligibly situated between this city and Lansingburgh. The entrance from the main road is directly on this side of the tollgate, and after driving a few yards, the visitor reaches the front of the grounds, which is on the east line of the proposed avenue between Troy and its neighboring village. The north gate is reserved for the entrance of stock; the south gate for carriages, while in the centre are the ticket-offices and gates for foot-passengers.
On the grounds one cannot but be struck with their picturesque character, and the judicious manner in which they have been prepared for the purposes of this exhibition. We have never seen any Fair arrangements that struke the beholder so favorably. The general design is that of three large buildings, each 100 feet long and two stories high, situated midway between the north and south ends of the grounds, and a short distance from the entrance. Along the southerly fence are an immense number of pens for cattle, and opposite them tight stalls for horses.
Of these main buildings, the first, near the entrance, is called No. 1. The lower story is arranged for the exhibition of agricultural products, and is called Agricultural Hall. Two stairways, one for entrance; the other for exit—lead to the second floor, which is appropriated for household products, and is designated as the Ladies’ Department. This hall is 75 feet long by 20 wife, and is appropriately shelved for the handiwork of the fair exhibitors.
The north-east large building is named No. 5.—The lower floor is called Mechanics’ Hall; the upper, Horicultural and Floral Hall. The latter is 100 feet long and 20 wife. It will undoubtedly be very attractive, and with the mechanical display below, draw multitudes of visitors.
The south-east large show building, No. 3, is designated Manufacturers’ Hall, and is arranged with shelves and fixtures for the reception of all articules in this department of industry. The second story of No. 3 is the Art Gallery. It is constructed with a large sky-light, and will afford a very fine spot for th eexhibition of pictures. There is every indication that there will be a large and select display of art treasures, and that this department, which is a novel one in such exhibitions, and yet a branch of industry that stands pre-eminent, will be well cared for. Mr. J. C. Markham, the accomplished Secretary, and an artist and genuine lover of art, has this province under his special keeping. We shall look to him for a creditable representation of American art and of our first masters. [Jared C. Markham was later to be the architect of the Saratoga Monument.]
[…]
The accommodations for animals are also very extensive. Pure spring water will be conducted from the hill to the centre of the grounds, where a fountain will be in perpetual motion. The grounds will thus be beautified, while thirsty humanity and stock cattle will find refreshment.
Near the centre of the grounds is a circular course for the trial of horses, and at the easterly end is the spacious reservoir where the steam fire-engines are to draw water on the day of the grand trial. Near this point is another gate and ticket office for the accommodation of persons coming by the railroad. […]
The exhibition opens on the 19th of September, and continues in operation for nine days. There is every indication of a perfect avalanche of articles for exhibition, and of a display that will afford solid satisfaction to the many thousands who will visit it. […]Troy Daily Whig. September 7, 1860: 3 cols 2-3.

☞ NO COUNTY FAIR THIS YEAR.—The Directors of the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Mechanical Society held a meeting yesterday, and resolved to intermit this year the holding of the annual county fair, previously announced for September, on account of the unsettled condition of National affairs, the delay the farmers have experienced in the work of getting in their crops, and the excitement which the draft to be made next month will occasion. This is the first time since the Society was organized—twenty-two years ago—that the annual fair has not been held.
—The Directors of the Society have offered the fair grounds and buildings to Quartermaster Ball for the use of the new Rensselaer county regiment, and it is probable the offer will be accepted, owing to the impossibility of procuring more tents at Albany for the accommodation of the soldiers.Troy Weekly Times. August 16, 1862: 3 col 2.

☞ Twelve new hospital buildings are in course of construction on the Agricultural Fair Grounds each of which will hold sixty patients, added to which will be an administration office, bakery, stable and dead house.Semi-Weekly Chronicle. October 29, 1864: 3 col 2.

☞ COUNTY FAIR MATTERS.—The managers of the Albany and Rensselaer Co. Agricultural Societies held a meeting on Friday, and resolved to hold a joint fair at the Island Park the week succeeding the State Fair.Lansingburgh Weekly Chronicle. July 11, 1865: 3 col 4.

☞ ALBANY AND RENSSELAER COUNTY FAIR.—The buildings on the Island Park for the Fair of Albany and Rensselaer counties are repdly progressing, and seem to be convenient and commodious. The stalls for horses, cattle, sheep and swine are to be enclosed and covered, and hay and grain provided by the Society for exhibitors. Two large buildings for manufacturers are being constructed. We notice one addition in the way of buildings, a ladies’ hall, neatly fitted up and adapted for the comfort and convenience of the fair sex. The Albany Argus says:
“The Trojans, those indefatigable workers, are preparing to make a large exhibition in the manufacturers’ department. For a few years pas the citizens of Albany have not exhibited much. The Society now offers premiums for almost every variant of manufacturer, and let the people turn out and send up their goods and wares to the Fair. Albany should not be behind in this new enterprise, and it remains only with her citizens whether she will be or not.”Troy Weekly Times. September 16, 1865: 3 col 2.

—For a great many years formerly the fairs of the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society were celebrated far and wide as among the best in the state. Indeed, it was claimed by some that they were equal in extent and variety to the exhibitions of the state society, and the prospect appeared to be that so long as a successful county fair was held anywhere it would be in Rensselaer county. But somehow the interest in our society began to die out a few years since, and the last few attempts to organize a respectable show of the industry, skill and talent of the county have been little more than abortions, disgraceful alike to the mechanical, manufacturing and farming interests of the county. This is the more singular from the fact that elsewhere the county fairs this year have been splendid exhibitions, and have been largely attended by the people. The Washington county fair was a great success; ditto of Albany county; but Oneida county does better than all. The receipts of gate money at the last named fair on the opening day were $1,825—almost double as much as was received during the whole fair week in this city. Can anybody tell us why it is that the Rensselaer county fairs have deteriorated so greatly, and what has caused the loss of public interest in them?
“City Notes.” Troy Daily Times. October 2, 1869: 3 col 2.

Rensselaer County Fair.

The second annual fair of the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society to be held at Rensselaer Park September 5, 6, 7, and 8 gives promise of a grand success. Parties desirous of making entries should make them at as early a date as possible in order that the necessary arrangements may be perfected for the accommodation of all. This is an enterprize in which all are interested and every citizen should take pride in making the exhibition one that shall be a credit to our county.Lansingburgh Courier. August 19, 1882: 3 col 3.

THERE will be no Rensselaer county fair this year, owing to the fact that the State fair was held in the vicinity.
“Pith and Point.” Albany Express. September 21, 1885: 4 col 1.

The County Fair

The fair, notwithstanding the unfavorable weather, was quite well attended and among the numerous exhibits those of this village were exceptionably fine.Lansingburgh Courier. September 25, 1886: 3 col

RENSSELAER COUNTY FAIR.

The sixth annual fair of the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, September 13 to 16, promises to be a grand reunion of all the farmers and artisans of the county together with their wives and daughters. The entries of all kinds are unprecedented for this time in the season, and all are entering earnestly into the work so that a grand exhibition in all departments is assured. The officers of the society have a force of men overhauling and renovating thoroughly all the old buildings on the Rensselaer Park grounds and a larger number of additional first class horse stalls are to be erected. The committee having the matter in charge is having the grounds put in prime order, and are arranging every convenience for exhibitors and guests.Lansingburgh Courier. September 3, 1887: 3 col 4.

The annual exhibition of the Rensselaer county agricultural and horticultural society will take place next week, and the society feels assured that the meeting will be successful. In many respects the “fairs and cattle shows” of to-day are of the same character as those given in our grandfathers’ time, but of late years the “fakir” and the thousand-and-one catch-penny schemes figure far more extensively than they did in the early days. The Rensselaer county agricultural society was organized June 3, 1819. George Tibbits was the first president, and the first fair was held on what was then the common south of Hoosick street and east of River street, in Troy, October 12 and 13, 1819. Bells were run and cannons fired at the opening of each day. There was a procession, which formed at the court house and marched to the fair grounds. An exciting ploughing=match on the site of what is now a thickly-populated part of the city was a feature of the first day’s programme. The second day’s procession was headed by the clergy of Troy and neighboring towns and marched to the Presbyterian church, where appropriate services were held, including prayer by the Rev. Dr. Coe, followed by an address by the president and the announcement of premiums by Elkanah Watson. An excellent farmers’ dinner at Barney’s hotel supplemented the services at the church.Troy Daily Times. September 10, 1887: 2 col 5.

Fair Notes.

—There will be no Rensselaer county fair this year.Troy Daily Times. September 20, 1888: 3 col 3.

—President Morey and directors of the Rensselaer County Agricultural Association have visited Rensselaer park with a view to holding the association’s annual fair at the park this year.
“City Notes.” Troy Daily Times. June 18, 1897: 3 col 1

Annual Fair at Troy.

The Rensselaer County Agricultural Society has deccided to hereafter hold its annual fairs at Rensselaer park, Troy, instead of at West Sandlake, where the fairs have been held for many years.Columbia Republican. January 28, 1908: 3 col 2.

NO FAIR AT TROY.
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Disposal of Rensselaer Park Leads County Agricultural Society to Abandon Project—May Conduct an Indoor Exposition This Winter—Nassau Fair the Only Rensselaer County Exhibit Scheduled.
There will be no fair this summer under the direction of the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Announcement to that effect has been made public and the real reason for the disbandment of the fair, for the present season at least, is simply because there is no suitable place for holding the big event. Rensselaer Park, where the fair has been held forth in recent years, was recently purchased by a realty concern and the tract broken up into building lots. The old fair grounds at West Sand Lake are also out of the question, as there are no buildings on the grounds suitable for the various displays. The society is, however, considering the advisability of holding an indoor exposition this winter, but no definite decision has been reached. Inasmuch as the county fair will be discarded the Nassau display, which will be held early in September, will probably be designated the official Rensselaer County agricultural exposition.Troy Times. June 16, 1919: col 5.

JOHNSONVILLE.

The Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society held a fair and indoor cattle and livestock show here during last week.Troy Times. November 23, 1920: 6 col 4.

ERECTING FAIR BUILDINGS.
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Work Commenced To-day at New Grounds of Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society at Schaghticoke.
Work on the new buildings at the Schaghticoke fair grounds of the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Horticultural Society was begun this morning and will be pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. This will be the first season that the fair will take place in Schaghticoke, the sale of the grounds at Rensselaer Park, this city, necessitating a change in the place for the annual exhibit. The new grounds have been laid out with the exception of the racetrack and racing will be dispensed with this year. It is hoped, however, to have the track in shape for next year’s fair. A well, 200 feet deep, has been driven on the grounds.
The fair will open Monday, September 5, Labor Day, and continue until September 8, inclusive. The feature of the first day will be a baseball game between teams representing Valley Falls and Cambridge.Troy Times. July 25, 1921: 5 col 5.